It's all downhill from here in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Time to start practicing your fakies, shifties, and safeties—you're going to Garmisch-Partenkirchen! A premier ski destination in the Bavaria region of southern Germany, Garmisch-Partenkirchen lies in an Alpine valley surrounded by steep mountain peaks, including the formidable Zugspitze, a 9,718-foot-high mountain that's the tallest in Germany. With a Garmisch-Partenkirchen vacation rental, you'll be in the heart of a uniquely Bavarian landscape that's known for its striking high-altitude scenery, cozy apres-ski bars, and Alpine dining—and the area's also chock-full of castles, forts, and other historic buildings, too.
All dolled up and someplace to go—Bavarian culture
More than just an outdoorsy paradise, Garmisch-Partenkirchen also boasts a number of cultural and historical landmarks. At the Kurhaus Garmisch-Partenkirchen, you can see rotating exhibits and permanent collections of artwork and cultural artifacts made by local and regional artists and craftsmen. For a different take on local industry, you can check out the Museum Aschenbrenner, with its great collection of porcelain statues, dolls, and nativity scenes. A short drive from your Garmisch-Partenkirchen vacation rental, the ornate, rococo-style Linderhof Palace features sprawling gardens, a hall of mirrors, and a throne festooned with stylized, life-size peacocks.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen—a tale of 2 cities
Formed when Garmisch and Partenkirchen joined forces to become a single, unstoppable force, Garmisch-Partenkirchen still has 2 distinct identities. With its timber-fronted buildings and cobblestone streets, Partenkirchen will give you a taste of traditional Bavarian life; the more cosmopolitan Garmisch caters to the city's mostly international ski-season visitors. Both areas offer plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment, and apres-ski bars are plentiful. Winter sports are a huge draw, and you can always find skiing, snowboarding, and other cold-weather activities. During the warmer months, Garmisch-Partenkirchen boasts enough hiking and camping to keep even the most adventurous visitor satisfied.
Snow thyself—Garmisch-Partenkirchen's winter wonderland
Thanks to its high altitude, Garmisch-Partenkirchen has a climate that's somewhere between maritime and continental, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters, as well as plenty of precipitation throughout the year. Summer highs regularly average in the low 70s during July and August, while winter temperatures range from the low 20s to the high 30s between December and February. A popular spot for winter-sport enthusiasts, you'll find that the months between November and March are Garmisch-Partenkirchen's busiest. You'll have the best luck avoiding crowds and scoring deals on Garmisch-Partenkirchen vacation rentals during the off-season summer months.
Mountains beyond mountains in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen lies in a high-altitude valley in the mountainous Bavaria region of southern Germany. The town's surrounded by the wooded slopes and rocky peaks of the Bavarian Alps, and nearby Zugspitze, the highest point in Germany, rises more than 9,000 feet above sea level. The mountains are home to hiking trails and wildlife in the summer, and they turn into a peerless winter sports paradise during the snowy months. Along the valley floor, the Loisach River offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming during the summer.
Transportation to and around Garmisch-Partenkirchen
The nearest airport is in Kranebitten Airport (INN), located 20.1 mi (32.4 km) from the city center.
If you prefer to travel by train, Garmisch-Partenkirchen Station, Garmisch-Partenkirchen (ZEI-Garmisch-Partenkirchen Train Station) and Garmisch-Partenkirchen Hausberg Station are the main stations in the city.